James Howell's House
A Victorian mansion that witnessed Cardiff's rise from a merchant's residence to a wartime hospital and cherished historical landmark.
James Howell's House stands as a remarkable Victorian-era residence on The Walk in Cardiff's Roath district. Built around 1896 for James Howell, the visionary founder of the iconic Howells department store, this Grade II listed mansion exemplifies the prosperity and ambition of Cardiff's retail golden age. Originally named Grove House, the property reflects the wealth accumulated by one of Wales's most influential retail pioneers. The house has witnessed Cardiff's transformation from a modest market town into a thriving commercial centre, serving variously as a private residence, hospital, and now as a cherished historical landmark that tells the story of Victorian entrepreneurship and urban development.
A brief summary to James Howell's House
- 1-25 The Walk, Cardiff, CF24 3AF, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit the nearby Roath Park to combine your historical exploration with a pleasant walk through one of Cardiff's most attractive green spaces, located just a short distance away.
- Research the building's architectural details before your visit to fully appreciate the Victorian craftsmanship and design elements that characterize the structure.
- Check local heritage society websites and Cardiff Council resources for guided tours or special heritage events that may provide deeper insight into the building's history.
- The Walk is a quieter residential street; visit during daylight hours to best appreciate the building's architectural features and surrounding Victorian streetscape.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Bus
Multiple bus routes serve the Roath area near The Walk. Services 2, 3, 8, and 23 provide regular connections from Cardiff city centre, with journey times of 10–15 minutes depending on traffic. Buses run throughout the day with reduced evening and Sunday services. Single fares cost approximately £1.75–£2.50 GBP. The nearest bus stops are on Richmond Road, approximately 150 metres from the property.
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Walking
From Cardiff city centre, the walk to James Howell's House takes 25–35 minutes depending on your starting point. Head north through the city centre towards the Cathedral Quarter, then continue northeast towards Roath Park. The route is mostly flat with good pavements and passes through residential streets. The final approach via The Walk is a quiet, tree-lined residential street suitable for all abilities.
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Taxi or Ride-share
Taxis and ride-sharing services operate throughout Cardiff. Journey time from the city centre is typically 8–12 minutes depending on traffic conditions. Estimated fares range from £8–£15 GBP. The property is located on The Walk, which has limited on-street parking; confirm drop-off location with your driver in advance.
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Car
The Walk is accessible by car from the city centre via Richmond Road. On-street parking is available but limited and subject to local restrictions; check Cardiff Council's parking guidance for current regulations. The journey from the city centre takes 8–12 minutes in light traffic. The property address is 1–25 The Walk, Cardiff CF24 3AF.
James Howell's House location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about James Howell's House
The Visionary Behind the Mansion
James Howell (1835–1909) was a retail pioneer whose ambition reshaped Cardiff's commercial landscape. Beginning with a modest draper's shop in The Hayes in 1865, Howell built an empire that would dominate St Mary Street for generations. His success was extraordinary—within 35 years, his store employed over 400 staff and had expanded across multiple city blocks. The mansion constructed around 1896, originally called Grove House, represented the pinnacle of his achievement and reflected the substantial wealth he had accumulated through shrewd business acumen and an instinctive understanding of urban retail. Howell's vision extended beyond commerce; he was instrumental in shaping Cardiff's identity as a modern, prosperous city.Architectural Significance and Design
Built in the 1890s, James Howell's House exemplifies the confident Victorian architecture favoured by Cardiff's merchant class. The residence showcases the refined aesthetic sensibilities of the era, with period details and craftsmanship that reflect both personal taste and social standing. The property's construction coincided with a period of rapid urban expansion in Cardiff, when successful businessmen invested heavily in grand domestic architecture as symbols of their status and contribution to civic life. The house remains a tangible link to this transformative period, preserving architectural elements and spatial arrangements characteristic of late-Victorian domestic design.From Private Residence to Public Service
Following James Howell's death in 1909, the mansion eventually transitioned from private family residence to institutional use. In 1914, it became home to the Red Cross Hospital, which was later renamed the Prince of Wales Hospital in 1918. During the First and Second World Wars, the facility served a vital purpose, specializing in the treatment of soldiers who had suffered traumatic injuries, particularly limb loss. The hospital evolved over the decades to provide occupational therapy, speech therapy, and other rehabilitative services, serving the community until its closure in 1998. This transformation from domestic to medical space reflects the building's adaptability and its continued importance to Cardiff's civic life across multiple generations.Legacy and Historical Importance
Today, James Howell's House stands as a Grade II listed building, recognized for its architectural merit and historical significance. The property embodies the story of Victorian entrepreneurship, urban development, and the rise of Cardiff as a commercial powerhouse. It represents not only the personal achievement of James Howell but also the broader narrative of how individual enterprise shaped the city's physical and economic landscape. The building's journey from private mansion to hospital to heritage landmark illustrates how structures can serve multiple purposes while retaining their historical integrity. For visitors and residents alike, it offers a tangible connection to Cardiff's prosperous past and the remarkable individuals who built the city's foundations.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
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For the design and aesthetic lover
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For the architecture buff
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For the view chaser and sunset hunter
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For the kind of experience you’re after
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For how adventurous you want the journey to be
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Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
